Comedy on Mackay: Inside The Joke
This feature is part of Forget The Box’s MTL Event Series.
In the back room of N sur Mackay every Tuesday, something special is stirring up. And no, it’s not just the bar’s famous cocktails or the excellent whiskey tastings (though those are worth checking out). It’s Comedy on Mackay, a vibrant new weekly comedy show that’s quickly becoming a staple in Montreal’s comedy scene.
As a comic myself, I can say performing at Comedy on Mackay is always a great time. The room is small, warm, and intimate. There is a lot of heart put into this event, and it shows. This show launched in the fall of 2024 and is the brainchild of Tina Cruz. Tina is a fresh, and I can’t stress this enough, enthusiastic comedian in the local comedy world. She began performing stand-up in the spring of 2024, during a challenging time in her life. Like many before her, she turned to comedy as a creative outlet, and quickly fell in love with the process of transforming personal hardship into laughter. With the support of co-producers Alan Fregtman and Saba Jakeman, the production value of Comedy on Mackay is top-notch. Sets are professionally recorded, giving comedians a chance to review their work and sharpen their craft.
Tina started Comedy on Mackay in hopes of adding to the performance spaces in the city and aiding comedians on their path to greatness. She wanted to produce a show that allowed all comedians to try new material, take risks and build their craft. I asked Tina, with that in mind, what makes Comedy on Mackay stand out in the scene. “What makes Comedy on Mackay stand out is the creative freedom it offers to semi-pro and pro comedians and also performance opportunities for newer comedians. We give performers more time on stage, allowing them to experiment with new material and engage more deeply with the audience—especially through crowd work, which is hard to develop when you're only getting 5–7 minute spots at other shows. It’s a space for comics to grow, take risks, and still feel supported.”
Comedy on Mackay offers exactly that, with two back-to-back shows each Tuesday. The 8 PM show features a mix of seasoned pros and promising newcomers, while the 10 PM "bucket mic" gives everyone a shot. Comedians sign up, names are drawn from a bucket, and those chosen get to hit the stage. It’s unpredictable, energetic, and always fun.
At the early show, you can expect some of the best in the city dropping in. Names like Heidy Foss and Rodney Ramsey have already graced the stage. True heavy hitters who’ve inspired many. For new comedians, just sharing a room or stage with performers of that caliber can be incredibly motivating. It’s a reminder of what's possible, and a push to keep working and growing.
The late show has its own charm. A delightful mix of energy, style, and experience. Comics often swing by after earlier gigs to try new material, connect with peers, and get valuable feedback in a low-pressure environment. Dawn McSweeney, co-host of the open mic, tells me, “I love hosting the open mic. Open mics are meeting spots for comedy: this time, this place, you know who will be there, and the sense of community is wonderful. Newcomers are welcomed with open arms, and the pros are an inspiration. People often downplay open mics, or say only bad comedy happens there, but they're a joke playground! People try new jokes, and find out exactly what hits and what doesn't. People practice their sets for big, important shows, get comfortable with the flow so they can deliver under pressure. It's amazing to hang out and see comics complimenting each other, or helping each other work a bit out. I'm literally in comedy because it's my favorite community, and open mics are where the magic continues to happen.”
Saba adds, “The top feedback I get from the comics who come is that they love our open mic because it's a supportive room and a safe space . Any English comedian in Montreal knows that open mics can be an exercise in masochism. If you want to try out new jokes in a room that is actually listening to you we are definitely the one to visit , even the comics listen and support each other.”
If you're a performer looking for a show that’s supportive, dynamic, and deeply rooted in community, Comedy on Mackay is it. If you’re a comedy fan, looking for a guaranteed night of laughs in a cool space, Comedy on Mackay is the space for you, too.
Tina sees Comedy on Mackay as more than just a weekly show. She envisions it as a growing hub for comedic development. Her long-term goal is to expand the platform by offering workshops that support emerging comedians in finding their voice. She understands that stand-up isn’t just about delivering punchlines; it’s a multifaceted art form that requires vulnerability, perspective, and craft. Through these future workshops, Tina hopes to foster an environment where comedians can explore, experiment, and evolve. When asked which comedy community members, colleagues, she might consider facilitating these workshops, she explains, “The first comedy workshop I led was at Winterlewd, thanks to Nat Pace, who generously organized a time and space for people to learn how to write their first joke. It was a full room, and such a powerful experience. I want to create more workshops like that—spaces where people can be vulnerable, explore their voice, and learn how to build trust with an audience through their writing. One of the hardest parts of comedy is writing those first jokes that signal, “You can trust me.” Helping others discover that in their own voice is something I love. I’m currently working on launching a comedy club at Concordia University as part of my role as a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow in the English Department, where I hope to develop more workshops and mentorship opportunities for emerging comedians.”
In more short term plans, Comedy on Mackay is going rogue and is joining the off-Fringe festival. They will have a total of five shows in this year’s festival.
Here is the Comedy on Mackay OFF-FRINGE SCHEDULE:
The Nerdiest Comedy Show
Saturday, May 31 @ 6 PM
Stand-Up Showcase
Saturday, May 31 @ 8 PM
Late Night in Canada
Saturday, May 31 @ 10 PM
Laugh Showcase
Sunday, June 15 @ 6 PM
The ROAST OFF
Sunday, June 15 @ 8 PM
Montreal’s comedy scene is thriving like never before, and there's never been a better time to check out a live show. If you’re planning your next night out, why not start with Comedy on Mackay at N sur Mackay? It’s a great way to experience the city's vibrant talent and support local artists, all while having a good laugh.
